Everybody Leads

So we have had an amazing start to the school year, and I couldn’t be more proud of our teachers, students and staff. It has been inspiring to see the attention that everyone has given to the relationship building piece, and truly heartwarming to see the tremendous effort that has been given to ensure that each and every one of our students has had a wonderful start to the year…it has been beautiful to watch. Our “all hands on deck” approach this last week really got me thinking about what true leadership is, and how we all have the power and opportunity to lead our students, each other and our community forward in our own unique ways. Leadership is not about position or title, it is about inspiring those around you to do, and to be better. I saw this in very tangible ways last week and I’m excited to see it continue throughout the year.

 

I love the quote by John Quincy Adams, which essentially says that to be a leader your actions must inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more…and I couldn’t agree more! Leadership, in one form or another lies down deep in all of us, and once we recognize/internalize this, and find a way to share it with the world, our lives and the lives of those around us will be profoundly impacted for the better. All that said, I think one of the biggest opportunities that we have as educators is to bring out and foster this leadership potential in our students. 

 

        Of all the amazing acts of leadership that I witnessed over the past few days in our school, some of the most inspiring came from our kids. From leading our house system games and cheers, to sitting with other students who were all by themselves at lunch or in the playground, and by actively seeking out our new kids who are going through the scary and intimidating act of transitioning to a new school, our kids in many instances have been showing us the way. Many times when schools look for ways to improve their community and culture they neglect to look for, ask for, or listen to, the input of their student body. I don’t want to be one of those schools. I want to bring our school mission to life, and truly “inspire ethical and empathetic student leaders”. We have outstanding students and student leaders here, and if we find ways to let our kids lead with us then we can achieve anything. If last week was any indication, it truly is the students who have the power to take our community where it needs to go. It was a telling reminder to me that just when we thought we had all of the answers as educated adults, the true inspiration often lies with the kids!

 

        Anyway, I think it’s important to spread the mantra of “everybody leads” throughout our school, and to make a concerted effort to be the leaders that we can be for our students on a daily basis, and to inspire the same with our kids. Leadership is not something that is set aside for the few, or for the ones who have specific titles, it is something that is in all of us, ready to be shared through our daily interactions with everyone and anyone that we come in contact with. I’m challenging you this year to embrace your inner leader, and to find ways to inspire others simply by being the person that you are. We had an amazing first week, and there’s no reason why we can’t make every week just like that.. You see, everybody has the power to lead in our school, and together we can transform our community in incredible ways. Have a wonderful week everyone and remember to be leaders for our kids and good to each other. 
Quote of the Week…

If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader — John Quincy Adams

 

Leadership Articles/websites –

http://ift.tt/2bJfDcE

http://ift.tt/1NxtPRq

http://ift.tt/2bZErLs

http://ift.tt/1dZn8Ke

http://ift.tt/1c8Sso7

 

Greatness – David Marquet

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqmdLcyES_Q

 

Great TED Talks on Leadership –

http://ift.tt/1vVsJoz

 

School of Rock – Classroom Leadership

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMvpJDbWX_c

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10 Easy Ways To Create an Amazing #SchoolCulture as a Principal This Year

Based on a comment I received on my post, “10 Easy Ways To Create an Amazing #ClassroomCulture“, I was asked to write a post about what a principal can do to promote school culture.  Thinking about my own past practice, but also by many that I have been inspired by, here are some simple ideas that could really set the tone for a year.

1. Be outside and welcome people in the morning. One of the best ways to start the day as a principal is to be at the front of the school (or in a central place) to welcome students and staff every single morning (not just the first day).  Dave Pysyk, principal extraordinaire, was known for welcoming people every single morning at his school. It set an amazing tone for the day and was an immediate investment in people.
2. Go into classrooms and hang out. One of the things that I truly believe in, is that principals should be in classrooms a lot more than they are currently.  Not just stopping by and saying hi (although this is hugely beneficial), but just spending time and hanging out, observing the environment.  The world is so mobile now, that we are not tethered to an office, so take your laptop, and answer your email or do your “paperwork” in a classroom. Your presence means a lot to the school community.
3. Make a YouTube video to welcome people back. A great way to greet people back, is to make a quick message like this one from Travis McNaughton on YouTube.  People get to hear your voice and see your face, and sets a different tone than any letter home would.  Or you could be like Tony Sinanis, and create a school newsletter on YouTube with your students.  Awesome way to make connections before families start your school, and continue them after.
4. Twitter videos to share awesome things happening in classrooms. One of my favourite options on Twitter is using video.  It is a great way to capture quick moments in the classroom and make great teaching and learning go viral in your own community, not just globally. There is no need to wait for the next staff meeting to share awesome ideas happening in your own school when you have access to technology like this.  Former principal Carolyn Cameron told me, that as a principal, you can become one of the best teachers, because you can always see great teachers. Make sure you share what you see with others constantly and consistently.
5. Learn the names of all students. If a student is ever sent to the office, the worst way to start off a conversation is “what’s your name again?”  Spending time in areas where students convening, and making a huge effort to know the names of your students, makes a huge difference.  It is not easy, but it should be a goal for every principal.
6. Make a spreadsheet with every staff member’s name and list their strength(s). People that are new to the principal position always ask, “What would you change first?” My answer is always, “nothing”.  The best thing you can do is learn the strength of every staff member in your community, write it down on a spreadsheet, and share that you see that in them.  This reminds principals that people are more likely to move forward when they feel valued.
7. Fill the halls with pictures of kids that are there right now. Schools spend a lot of time honouring the past (graduation pictures, principal portraits, etc.), but not enough time honouring the present.  Going into schools often, I notice that the ones that really stick out to me, are the ones that have active pictures and media of kids plastered all over the school.  It is a great reminder for all of the students that you are there for them.
8. Have lunch with students. I am all about having food together.  Having lunch with the principal is such a great way to get to know your students and connect with them.  Sometimes you might do it to find out what kids want from their school, but sometimes it is just about finding out about the kids.  Very simple, yet very powerful.
9. Call families of colleagues to thank them (Thanks Jimmy Casas). I remember when Jimmy Casas told me about the time he spent calling the parents of his staff, to tell them how awesome their children were. No matter how old we get, we are always somebody’s kid, and parents never get tired of hearing about the accomplishments of those that they have raised.
10. Treat the school like family. Schools can be tough places to be.  There are lots of emotional ups and downs, and people have shed many tears being a part of a school community.  This is why people need to feel that you will push them, but always have their back.  When schools become like family, what the community can do is absolutely amazing.

One of the elements that is not on the list is to simply be available.  Don’t be the principal that needs an “appointment” to connect with others.  You have the mobility to move around the school in ways that many staff can not, and it is important that you are visible. Amber Teamann is very transparent principal, exhibiting her continuous learning in her role, modelling her willingness to grow for her school community. Patrick Larkin had his desk in the hallway of the high school in which he served as a principal, and it was an awesome reminder of who he was there for. Principals like Sanee Bell, seem to go out of their way to make kids feel like part of their community.

To be a principal is a true blessing. My best advice is to enjoy every minute you can openly, as you see that your joy will become infectious with others.

• November 3, 2014 Leadership Framework: Building Relationships and Developing People #ONTEdLeaders
• January 29, 2016 Say Hello To Tony
• July 26, 2013 Want to be successful? Be a sponge.
• January 22, 2015 A Fine Balance
• April 12, 2013 So Much More Effective

Source: George Couros

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Culture Killers: Staff Issue or Leadership Issue?

I was talking with a 2^nd grade teacher the other day about dealing with difficult people when during the conversation I noticed her eyes begin to tear up.  It was clear that she had been deeply wounded and that she was still reeling from the after effect of it all. “Is it possible this person didn’t mean to hurt you?” I asked.  “Oh no,” she said. Everyone around here knows how she is.  In fact, this is how she treats everyone.”  Have you told her how you feel?” I continued.  “No, I am afraid to,” she responded.  I hesitated and then I asked her, “Have you shared your concerns with your principal?” “Yeah right,” she said. “He is scared of her too.”

And so it goes.  I cannot even begin to tell you how many times I’ve had people walk up to me after a presentation and share similar stories with me privately.  How sad it is when someone is allowed to cause so much personal disruption to others in our organizations to the point it makes good people want to walk away?  There is just no justification for our schools or any work environment for that matter to allow such toxicity to go unaddressed.  Yet, it continues.  In fact, so much that I would label this problem a near epidemic.

As a school leader I feel comfortable saying this in order to keep it real and more importantly, to hold myself accountable for recognizing that the truth in the scenario I described above is not a teacher issue, rather it is a leadership issue.  If we are going to state that teachers are responsible for fostering a positive culture and climate in their classrooms by how they conduct themselves on a daily basis, then we must hold ourselves to the same standard as leaders for our buildings.  As principals and Superintendents, we set the tone and determine what we are willing to tolerate and the standards we set and expect when it comes to employee conduct as well as the manner in which we ourselves address concerns brought to us by others.

We ultimately are responsible for carrying the banner for our schools and districts in a positive way and part of that is managing our own interactions with staff appropriately. It also means we must be willing to address negative behaviors which can quickly destroy the very fiber of a healthy culture we so desperately are trying to procure. In my work with school districts, many leaders have shared with me privately they are struggling with how to address cultural issues they are facing in their organizations.  Below I share a few areas where school leaders have come up short when it comes to addressing these culture killers as well as suggestions on how to address.

1. Remove the word “THEY”: Do your best to remove this from your vocabulary unless you can ensure it will be followed by a positive comment. Unfortunately, the word “THEY” is often used to place blame on others or give excuses. Replace “THEY” with “WE,” in order to send the message that we are all in this together regardless of the outcome. Collective efficacy is the first step to moving towards success for your organization.
2. Gossip is one of the biggest culture killers that exists in all organizations today. In fact, gossip says more about the person actually sharing the gossip than the person they are gossiping about.  Do you ever wonder this?  Hmmm….if they are willing to gossip about others to me, what are they saying about me to others? To stop the gossip posse, you must be strong and tell them in a respectful way that you would prefer they not share those types of comments with you.  Model professionalism.
3. Those kids: This is personal to me because I was one of “those kids” in the eyes of some teachers and administrators during my school years. I have heard this form of labeling placed on low-performing students, reluctant learners, students who struggle to control their behavior, poor kids and sometimes even children of color. Replace “those students” with “OUR” students and avoid generalizing.
4. Inflexibility: There will always be times when “stuff” happens that causes someone to need help from a colleague or an administrator. It is inevitable. Why? Because life happens sometimes and we need to remember that when it does, we need to work with our team so they don’t feel like they don’t have any options. Being flexible often originates from empathy, one of the keys to a successful organization. Ask, “What can I do to help?”
5. Repressed Ideas: We should always strive to inspire others and their ideas, not repress them. Let’s not only be a champion for children, but let’s also be a champion for our teachers and each other.  Everyone deserves to see a dream, a vision, a goal, or plan come to fruition. Cultures of excellence are rooted here. Ask yourself this question; “Is the person who presented the idea to you more excited after they leave you than they were before they presented their idea to you?”  Strive to make the answer YES!
6. Zero-Tolerance Rules: These types of rules and policies perpetuate a culture of winners and losers and rarely make the impact they were intended to make. Consider replacing classroom rules with high standards and expectations and have students help develop them. High expectations are critical to the success of all students as well as our schools so expect excellence!
7. Removing Students from Class: I am referring to minor infractions here.  Sending a student out of class for lack of supplies, talking too much, refusal to work, sleeping, or coming to class late or unprepared, etc. is a guaranteed culture killer. It sends a strong message that it is more about the adults than it is about the students.  Don’t be fooled by the notion that we need to teach kids that is how the real world works when you are not prepared or engaged.  If that were true I’m afraid of how many times we would be sending staff members home for similar infractions.

By no means am I stating that we as leaders will never find ourselves failing to address some of these items I’ve listed above. None of us our immune from mistakes. But let our failings be temporary because we have a plethora of other issues on our plate that we are dealing with that consume our time or because we have failed to manage our time wisely, rather than not addressing out of fear. There is no excuse on our part as leaders not to continue to improve and develop our skillsets in dealing with such culture killers. After all, great change begins with self-change. Our students and staff deserve to learn and work in a culture where people genuinely care about each other. As leaders, we must own this responsibility and demonstrate the courage to confront such issues rather than avoid or worse yet, ignore for fear of what repercussions might come our way.

Remember, when staff is not performing their work or conducting themselves at the high level that students, parents, and their colleagues deserve, ask yourself this question, “Is this a staff issue or is it my issue because I have failed to acknowledge and address?” My guess in most cases it will be a leadership issue and we must own it, especially if we plan on eliminating the dreaded culture killers and becoming culture builders.

What are other culture killers that are impacting your organization in a negative way?

More importantly, what are you doing about it?

 

 

 

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10 Easy Ways To Create an Amazing #SchoolCulture as a Principal This Year

Based on a comment I received on my post, “10 Easy Ways To Create an Amazing #ClassroomCulture“, I was asked to write a post about what a principal can do to promote school culture.  Thinking about my own past practice, but also by many that I have been inspired by, here are some simple ideas that could really set the tone for a year.

1. Be outside and welcome people in the morning. One of the best ways to start the day as a principal is to be at the front of the school (or in a central place) to welcome students and staff every single morning (not just the first day).  Dave Pysyk, principal extraordinaire, was known for welcoming people every single morning at his school. It set an amazing tone for the day and was an immediate investment in people.
2. Go into classrooms and hang out. One of the things that I truly believe in, is that principals should be in classrooms a lot more than they are currently.  Not just stopping by and saying hi (although this is hugely beneficial), but just spending time and hanging out, observing the environment.  The world is so mobile now, that we are not tethered to an office, so take your laptop, and answer your email or do your “paperwork” in a classroom. Your presence means a lot to the school community.
3. Make a YouTube video to welcome people back. A great way to greet people back, is to make a quick message like this one from Travis McNaughton on YouTube.  People get to hear your voice and see your face, and sets a different tone than any letter home would.  Or you could be like Tony Sinanis, and create a school newsletter on YouTube with your students.  Awesome way to make connections before families start your school, and continue them after.
4. Twitter videos to share awesome things happening in classrooms. One of my favourite options on Twitter is using video.  It is a great way to capture quick moments in the classroom and make great teaching and learning go viral in your own community, not just globally. There is no need to wait for the next staff meeting to share awesome ideas happening in your own school when you have access to technology like this.  Former principal Carolyn Cameron told me, that as a principal, you can become one of the best teachers, because you can always see great teachers. Make sure you share what you see with others constantly and consistently.
5. Learn the names of all students. If a student is ever sent to the office, the worst way to start off a conversation is “what’s your name again?”  Spending time in areas where students convening, and making a huge effort to know the names of your students, makes a huge difference.  It is not easy, but it should be a goal for every principal.
6. Make a spreadsheet with every staff member’s name and list their strength(s). People that are new to the principal position always ask, “What would you change first?” My answer is always, “nothing”.  The best thing you can do is learn the strength of every staff member in your community, write it down on a spreadsheet, and share that you see that in them.  This reminds principals that people are more likely to move forward when they feel valued.
7. Fill the halls with pictures of kids that are there right now. Schools spend a lot of time honouring the past (graduation pictures, principal portraits, etc.), but not enough time honouring the present.  Going into schools often, I notice that the ones that really stick out to me, are the ones that have active pictures and media of kids plastered all over the school.  It is a great reminder for all of the students that you are there for them.
8. Have lunch with students. I am all about having food together.  Having lunch with the principal is such a great way to get to know your students and connect with them.  Sometimes you might do it to find out what kids want from their school, but sometimes it is just about finding out about the kids.  Very simple, yet very powerful.
9. Call families of colleagues to thank them (Thanks Jimmy Casas). I remember when Jimmy Casas told me about the time he spent calling the parents of his staff, to tell them how awesome their children were. No matter how old we get, we are always somebody’s kid, and parents never get tired of hearing about the accomplishments of those that they have raised.
10. Treat the school like family. Schools can be tough places to be.  There are lots of emotional ups and downs, and people have shed many tears being a part of a school community.  This is why people need to feel that you will push them, but always have their back.  When schools become like family, what the community can do is absolutely amazing.

One of the elements that is not on the list is to simply be available.  Don’t be the principal that needs an “appointment” to connect with others.  You have the mobility to move around the school in ways that many staff can not, and it is important that you are visible. Amber Teamann is very transparent principal, exhibiting her continuous learning in her role, modelling her willingness to grow for her school community. Patrick Larkin had his desk in the hallway of the high school in which he served as a principal, and it was an awesome reminder of who he was there for. Principals like Sanee Bell, seem to go out of their way to make kids feel like part of their community.

To be a principal is a true blessing. My best advice is to enjoy every minute you can openly, as you see that your joy will become infectious with others.

• November 3, 2014 Leadership Framework: Building Relationships and Developing People #ONTEdLeaders
• January 29, 2016 Say Hello To Tony
• July 26, 2013 Want to be successful? Be a sponge.
• January 22, 2015 A Fine Balance
• April 12, 2013 So Much More Effective

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How Gord Downie is teaching us to “die well”

By: Julie Hughes

Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past three months, you’ve probably heard of the terminal cancer diagnosis of Gord Downie (lead singer to the Tragically Hip, also known as The Hip).

This tragic story has been … Read the rest

The post How Gord Downie is teaching us to “die well” appeared first on Steadfast Counselling.

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Chocolate Coconut Zucchini Bread

Chocolate Coconut Zucchini Bread is quick, delicious, and the perfect use for garden zucchini. Enjoy a slice with your morning coffee, or serve it up for dessert.

This post is sponsored recipe development on behalf of Crisco®. All opinions are my own. Thank you for continuing to sponsor the brands that make My Baking Addiction possible.

It’s official, I’m over gardening. Since this was the first year with landscaping in our new construction home, we went all out in the garden department. We tended to the lawn and our garden beds like a second baby.

Between Eric’s obsession with the edger, my calendar notifications for fertilizer, and our combined watering efforts, our front yard looked like something straight out of a landscaping company’s brochure. Until it didn’t.

(more…)

The post Chocolate Coconut Zucchini Bread appeared first on My Baking Addiction.

        

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Eat Pray Love Made Me Do It: Life Journeys Inspired by the Bestselling Memoir

I may be one of the few women in America that haven't read Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert.  I think I started it, but never finished it.  I actually watched the movie and formed a horrible crush on Javier Bardem.  Most of my reluctance to read the book stems from that old bookstore danger:  getting so sick of everyone asking for the same book, over and over, for months at a time.  I end up loathing any mention of the book and never wanting to read it.  I think that's what happened with Eat, Pray, Love. So years passed, and I never read it.

I knew the basic story, and at any other time I would have read the book right away.  And I did really enjoy the movie.  Cut to years later, and I see this book somewhere in my bookish wanderings.  I immediately checked it out of the library, and proceeded to dive in and be amazed at some of the stories people have shared.  

This non-fiction book is a collection of essays by various men and women (mostly women) who read Eat, Pray, Love  sometime in the past 10 years and had such a visceral reaction to it they changed their lives.  For some, like Elizabeth, it was a wake up call to leave an unhappy marriage or relationship; for others it was a reminder that life can and should be joyful and creative.  If we find ourselves stuck, we need to get moving.  For other women, it was about coping with motherhood and finding balance.  

One woman says "From Liz, I learned that it is never too late to start again.  I forgave myself my indiscretions and granted myself the permission to create the life I now understood I deserved."  Liz's story resonated with so many women that I was a bit floored by how her journey became the spark women needed to change their lives into more meaningful, peaceful, and vibrant quests.  

There wasn't one essay in this compilation that wasn't touching and amazing to me.  I can't imagine how Liz Gilbert feels knowing she's influenced so many people simply by telling her story.  It is a prime example that we never know who we will touch just by being open with the good and the bad in our lives.  

I think this would make an obvious choice for anyone who loved Eat, Pray, Love.  But you don't have to read that to feel the impact of these essays.  It will probably drive you to read Liz's memoir after you've turned the last page.  Powerful stuff.

Rating:  7/10 for so many touching essays about the power of one woman's journey of discovery to give courage, grace, and peace to those who struggle through life.  

Available in paperback, audio, and e-book.

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